See Video: Plan Unveiled To Renovate, Replace, Or Close Schools

See Video: Plan Unveiled To Renovate, Replace, Or Close Schools

Fifth graders Leon Caldwell and Desmond Nelson of Calvin M. Rodwell Elementary School gave a speech about how they believe the school plan would help them as they pursue their education. (Photo by WBAL's Ashley Michelle Williams)

WBAL's Robert Lang talks with some students and school principals about the school renovation plans. Download This File

Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Dr. Andres A. Alonso said to the audience: "The scale and scope of what we are proposing today is awesome."

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake thanked Alonso for his plan and shared her insights on how it would improve the education system within Baltimore. (Photo taken by WBAL's Ashley Michelle Williams)

Under the plan, the city will renovate or replace 136 school buildings, and close 26 others.

Alonso is proposing using money from the sale of municipal bonds, the city's bottle tax, and state school; construction money to pay for the project.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, along with state officials and business leaders joined Alonso for the announcement.

Alonso and other city leaders have asked lawmakers in Annapolis for greater flexibility in spending school construction money.

Under the plan, the school closings would begin at the end of this school year when four schools will close. They are the Baltimore Rising Star Academy, Garrison Middle School, Patapsco Elementary/Middle School and William C. March Middle School.